10
yearsof
Creativity #WeLive Design
Vol. 3
HUE Danilo Franco Remembering
EDITOR FROM THE
It’s 1:33 am and yes, I am writing this while listening to High School musical soundtrack that channels my inner Gabriella. Just like her, I can’t help but be emotional in my last school year. Talking about “lasts”, this is my last issue for HUE and it was very helpful in letting me grow as a leader and team player. I admit that it wasn’t easy. Time management is the perfect key which I wasn’t able to really practice yet I get to see its significance. But it’s not about me. In this special issue, you’ll hear from people who made SoFA the way it is now. The school may have established its name in the industry but these people are hardly noticed for their hardwork and extra bucket of patience in building an institute that honed and will hone local creatives who actualize the genuine meaning of design. I have chosen a muted color palette to represent these people who we subconsciously deny of appreciation unlike the previous volume of vibrant SoFA front liners. If the students love to shoot and take photos of their OOTDs, it’s not the case for admins and staff as they love working ”backstage” where the real pressure is felt. As you read through this issue, you will see the bond of the students with their mentor and how they treat each other as families. At this time, Sir Dan is in his happy place and I know that he will love how his students remember and cherish him. This issue is for you Sir Danilo Franco and to all the hardworking faculty, admin and staff of my creative haven - SoFA Design Institute. Cheers!
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CULTURE
FASHION
LIFESTYLE
COVER
BEAUTY
ART
OF
CONTENTS
T Editor in Chief / Layout Artist
G Gambaloza
Contributing Writer / HMUA
BOX
Associate Editor / Social Media Manager
Contributing Writer / Photographer
Photographer
Contributing Writer / HMUA
Pilar Rotor Hilado
Mark Escauso
Grachelle Torres
Contributing Writer
Contributing Writer
Phuong Do
Joshua Lloren
Contributing Writer
Paulo Manalo
Nina Rito
Maya Rubio
Contributing Writer
Patricia Gregore
Contributing Writer
Krishna Velasquez
Dolled Audrey Hepburn doll owned by:
Eli Gonzales of SoFA Faculty
@elian_stellar
10 BY: JOSHUA LLOREN PHOTO: LORALEE BARON-SOONG AMINA ARANAZ
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s SoFA celebrates its 10th anniversary, we look back to its humble beginnings. Who better to ask about SoFA’s beginnings and establishment than from the founders themselves, Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Loralee Baron-Soong. The idea of SoFA all started when Amina and Loralee were both studying in Istituto Marangoni for Masters of Fashion Accessory Design and Masters in Fashion Brand Management, where they lived together as roommates. Istituto Marangoni has always been an inspiration to both Miss Amina and Miss Loralee. They relished every moment from going to school and walking through the streets of Milan, and both women believed that that was something that they could replicate here in the Philippines, but tailored to the Philippine Market. According to Miss Amina, the idea of opening up a design school was initially a joke. When they flew back to Manila, however, they met up and they decided to push through with the idea of founding a school for Design. They came up with a straightforward name, “School of Fashion and the Arts” because originally, SoFA was meant to be a fashion school and because, they thought “We saw the acronym, SoFA, and like hey you know it’s sounds nice! It sounds cool!” When introducing this concept, both of them were brimming with excitement. Their idea of starting a school gained a lot of support from others, including the Philippine Fashion Industry. Finally, the idea of establishing a specialized school to nurture and teach future designers was going to become a reality. “Everyday, we are faced with a lot of challenges”, Miss Loralee said. They were not faced with major problems, but there were many issues they had to address. One was starting a school that was accredited by government institutions like CHED and TESDA. “We don’t want to offer dressmaking course. We want a Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing program.” Miss Amina said. Despite all the obstacles, they were pleased with their final results.
Miss Loralee and Miss Amina aspire for SoFA to have its own dream campus, and for it to be the main Design. SoFA’s founders plan to continue building partnerships with brands and different institutions that can help better the programs they offer. Additionally, SoFA has ties with the local fashion industry. The school has also offered internship programs to the students to work hand-in-hand with design brands. SoFA believes in focusing and developing your creative mind, and “explore your creativity, go outside the box”, as Miss Amina puts it. Later, the students will use their technical skills to bring their concepts to life. This is the process in creating Design Leaders, which is what sets SoFA apart from other schools. Miss Loralee advised, “Stay focused and just enjoy your time at SoFA. Just be open to learning what the school offers. Maximize your time here by actively participating in the activities that the school has in store for the students. And feel free to communicate with the faculty, the SoFA team, our dean, Toby Guggenheimer and to me and Amina.” Aside from Miss Amina and Miss Loralee, there were other people who contributed to establishing SoFA. They had partners who helped them establish this design school, two of whom include Miss Amina’s mother and Miss Loralee’s sister. The SoFA community was soon joined by architect Tobias Guggenheimer, who currently serves as SoFA’s Dean.
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explore your creativity, go outside the box
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Stay focused and just enjoy your time at SoFA.
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The SoFA method was implemented to attempt to orient the teachers’ approach to teaching in a way that can help graduates become leaders rather than followers. Some of the observable resolves were seen in the work of the students. An example is the fashion students’ grad show work. Now it is universally perceived within the industry and across the media among being the best produced within the schools in Metro Manila. When Dean Toby was still a teacher, the memorable event that keeps him teaching is when he sees the commitment by students, teachers, and outside designers to come and volunteer so much of their time because they also believe in SoFA’s mission. It took hard work and motivation for them to establish the Design School we know today as SoFA Design Institute. In the coming years, SoFA will continue to grow and produce future Design Leaders to share their uniqueness and creativity to the widest possible audience.
@fiertemnl www.facebook.com/FierteMNL 2/F Mercer St., Uptown Mall, BGC, Taguig
AD
STEREO TYPED. BY: PATRICIA GREGORE AND NINA RITO
Weirdos. Rich kids. Artistic. High-maintenance. Conyo. Judgmental. These are stereotypes given to SoFA students. So, what do the SoFA students think of this? Does this affect the students? Are they even informed that these stereotypes exist? Is SoFA really just about design?
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on-SoFA students think of SoFA students as high-maintenance rich kids with high standards. Outsiders think they’re weirdos because of their different way of wearing clothes. They think SoFA students are judgmental and snobbish because of how we talk. Not all stereotypes are bad, however. Some outsiders think SoFA students are creative, passionate about their chosen course, strong-willed and intelligent. Thoughts about these stereotypes were gathered from students namely, Ethan James (3rd year, BA-FD), Jen Tiu (4th year, BS-ID), Raine Eugenio (4th year, BA-FD), Kristine Sangalang (3rd year, BA-FD) and Zoe Sabandal (4th year, BS-ID). Zoe, Ethan, Jen, Raine and Kristine think that SoFA isn’t only for aspiring designers. For one to be an aspiring designer is one of the important things in studying here according to Zoe. Jen and Ethan think that there is more to designing, like the business side of it. SoFA is also for the business-minded students who want to learn the basics of fashion and interior before starting a business out of it. For Raine, SoFA is for anyone who wants to explore on different avenues of fashion and interior design. “They all think that we are all expected to be creative.” As explained by Ethan, the expectations came from SoFA being a specialized school for fashion and interior designers & that specialization sets them apart from other schools. Zoe, on the other hand, thinks that the students should not be expected to be creative but it is also possible that they would be able to enhance their creativity on the various projects that are given to them.
hen asked on how they think SoFA is being stereotyped, all five interviewees had different responses. As stated by Zoe, “It came from the long-term generalization of society to disregard design and the arts in general as something very shallow and the archetypes they have associated to people taking such course. They are blinded by the idea that design is seen as an accessory, an add-on and a discipline that is very frivolous.� As per Ethan, he thinks for those who are aware of SoFA’s existence, they most likely have a preconceived notion that we are just like every other privileged kid with a nasty attitude. They said that these assumptions are true but not the same for everyone because the school is diverse and individuality is very much encouraged. For the rich kid stereotype, Jen said that some are not filthy rich, but it honestly takes a lot of money to be able to enroll in SoFA. As per Raine, there are lies sprinkled with some truth and for Kristine, it is because of how SoFA students express themselves. Stereotypes are just like first impressions, you always have a choice of proving them wrong or changing their perception of such a thing. Like what the students shared, they should not be bothered by the stereotypes being thrown to them. YOLO, you only live once, so why make words such a big deal? Enjoy your life, and let haters hate.
“The stereotypes are annoying but at the same time being able to study in SoFA is an experience that will not be like any other.” Ethan
James
“As long as we know deep within ourselves who we are, there is no point in trying to worry about and waste our time in considering these stereotypes the outsiders place on us.” Zoe
Sabandal
“It doesn’t matter what other people think about us, we just have to enjoy what we are doing as students of SoFA and believe that we can also do what other people can do, and that we can do better.” Jen Tiu
“Say all the things that they want to say. We don’t actually have to prove to ourselves that we’re not this and that. Let our success be our noise.” Denise Agarem
“Well, I don’t mind it because I get and understand where they’re coming from. But then it is sometimes insulting that they just see us as that, without really looking through inside the walls of it.” Joy
Geocado
“They are entitled to their own opinion, after all what they say does not define me” Rea Ann
Jornacion
“Let the good stereotypes reinforce us and the negative ones be areas of improvement for us. As long as we have a strong sense of self-assurance, these outer forces won’t be able to corrupt us.” Kiara Jimenez
“It doesn’t really affect me because I get to do what I love and that’s the only thing that matters.” Kristine
Sangalang
“Judge for yourselves.” Raine
Eugenio
M
M Make-up is an art, your face is the canvas.
BY: MARK ESCAUSO MAKEUP: MARK ESCAUSO HAIR: ANDRE TRINIDAD PHOTOGRAPHY: NINA RITO
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ake-up and skin care products, also known as cosmetics, have been a part of our history for around 6,000 years. In some cases, make-up has served as part of rituals for both men and women in many cultures, one being ancient Egypt. Certain make-up looks symbolized social rank, status and wealth. For as long as cosmetics have existed, certain looks have stood the test of time: red lipstick, winged eyeliner, and smoky eyes. So, why do you wear make-up? For many, make-up helps in boosting your self-esteem or self-confidence. In addition to enhancing your features, make-up may also serve as a form of self-expression. From a physical standpoint, make-up is typically used to emphasize a person’s prominent and attractive features. Cosmetics may also give the illusion of a slimmer face, and smoother and radiant skin for an all-around healthy, beautiful appearance. About two years ago, a sculpting technique called contouring made a permanent mark on the regular routines of beauty fanatics. Made to highlight your cheekbones and slim the face, contouring is a process of applying foundation or concealer (ideally two shades darker than your complexion) to the temple of your forehead, cheeks, nose, and jaw Cosmetics is not just a matter of painting your face. The whole process of applying cosmetics usually takes an average of one to one-and-a-half hours, depending on the look you want to achieve. (Patience, passion, and creativity). In make-up, you’re giving your time, effort, and love to art.
Model: Nikka Gaddi
Model: Darcy Dugtong
Beau
BEAUTY
Model: Nico
@madscontantino The products that she swears by: • Oil-based make-up wipes, such as Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets, and cleansing oils like the Shu Uemura Whitefficient Cleansing Oil and BiFesta Brightup Cleansing Lotion • When she feels the need to moisturize, Miss Mads drinks a Vitamin E capsule • MILK MAKEUP, especially their Soothing Stick. • FACE MIST (She usually places this in the fridge) • Sheet masks, particularly Hydrogel Masks. What is her staple make-up look? • She applies a CC Cream in Medium by It Cosmetics, with SPF over her base and an anti-aging serum • To set her face, she uses Maybelline White Superfresh Powder in Sand Beige • Miss Mads carries Tom Ford Lips & Boys Lipstick in Cary in her make-up bag What are the must-haves in Miss Mads’ Beauty Kit? • Sunscreen, foundation, setting powder, lipstick, and brow products
OO TD PHOTOGRAPHY: GRACHELLE TORRES
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ake way for the brave souls of the SoFA Faculty and admins who took the OOTD challenge and slayed it, as they’ve been doing for years. Through their outfits, they showed how much they love their jobs and their style.
FASHION
F LD CANELA He has been a part-time faculty for 6 years teaching History of Design and Fashion Illustration using CAD. He has this particular style of wearing outerwear and oversized clothes paired with either a hat or trendy shades. Peculiar but he always stands out!
TB Photos: Fold Canela
One of the school’s cheerful admins for the past 4 1/2 years, she loves Kiko Mizuhara - and it’s obvious from her free-spirited personality! Her outfit always reflects her character.
DCABREROS WN TB Photos: Dawn Cabrera
N KKA DAFFON She’s been rocking her outfits for 5 years as Head of Communications, and continues to make heads turn. Like the students, her runway inspirations are Olivia Palermo and SoFA’s own Amina Aranaz.
TB Photos: Nikka Daffon
The Academic Chairperson for 5 years never fails to inspire students to be like her. Her minimalistic outfits are relaxing to the eyes, much like her style icon, Audrey Hepburn. Her powerful look makes her students attentively listen to her in class.
M NICA PADILLA
TB Photos: Monica Padilla
N ECA DUNCIL Serving as HR and Admin officer, Neeca has completed her outfit with a smile for the past 3 1/2 years. After all, you’re never fully dressed without a smile! She takes after her style inspo, Kim Jones.
TB Photos: Neeca Duncil
C @fiertemnl www.facebook.com/FierteMNL 2/F Mercer St., Uptown Mall, BGC, Taguig
CULTURE BY: MAYA RUBIO AND PAULO MANALO
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s a Design school, SoFA pushes and encourages their students’ creativity. Every subject requires SoFA’s budding designers to explore their minds to create unique concepts. To help the students achieve their vision and mission as artists, SoFA’s Design professionals and instructors are here to guide their pupils. As SoFA Design Institute’s 10-year anniversary approaches, the school and its teachers aim to turn their small, but fast-growing community into one comprised of future Design Leaders and pioneers of Art. For now, let’s go back to SoFA’s roots, through the minds of the school’s long-time educators and faculty that made SoFA what it is today.
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he Hue Team interviewed the SoFA faculty and instructors, namely Sir Richard Papa (Fashion Designer and Pattern and Sewing), Sir Rodel Bulan (G.E. and SoFA Registrar) Sir Jeff Garcia (Communication Arts G.E.), Mrs. Evangeline Siat (Filipino G.E.), Sir Charlie Magdaleno (Senior Academic Officer), Sir Eli Gonzales (Fashion Designer and Design Studio and Fashion Illustration), Miss Loida Hunter (Fashion Designer, Pattern and Sewing), IDr. Carla Leonor (Interior Design), and Arch. Ed Salva (Graphics). These members of the SoFA community have observed the school’s changes over the years, from the location to the students and curriculum. When asked about SoFA’s former campus in comparison to the current one, Sir Rodel said that despite its small size, he prefers the ‘old’ SoFA, since the few students were older and more mature. On the other hand, Sir Richard and Mrs. Siat stated that SoFA hasn’t changed, whilst Sir Charlie and IDr. Carla added that the current campus is better and more accessible. Arch. Ed Salva added that although the old campus is much greener because of the environment, he still likes this new change, adding, “teaching in a small campus is an advantage to other schools”.
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ver the years, SoFA has changed drastically in terms of campus and population size. SoFA now offers an Interior Design track and Senior High School, thereby attracting more students and necessarily expanding their facilities. The school’s curriculum has also evolved in recent years. According to Sir Eli, SoFA’s new CHED-accredited curriculum is more creative and well-balanced with lectures and activities. IDr. Carla proudly said that since the SoFA method started when Arch. Tobias Guggenheimer (Dean) came in, SoFA is adopting the international level of Design Thinking and the school is “a threat to the rest of the industry”. Miss Loida and Mrs. Siat believe that this new curriculum improved the teaching method with regards to handling the students. Mrs. Siat contined, saying SoFA is more focused on learning and the subject matter. Because there are fewer students, they learn better and are given more attention compared to schools with a bigger population. “Students are treated as professionals, with their own creative voice”, added Sir Eli. This new curriculum makes the students become more focused in honing their creativity. The teachers and faculty members agree - there are a lot of things that make SoFA unique, apart from the curriculum and teaching strategies. According to IDR. Carla, “the Design Thinking is more leveled-up to be competitive to international schools, because we adopted that method. We’re pushing the boundaries. They break the traditional format of Design Education. Especially in Interior Design, it’s not purely aesthetic”. In addition to the teaching technique, SoFA is filled with a diverse group of friendly and heartwarming people. Each person has their distinct style and work ethic, but all are working towards becoming Design Leaders.
MEMORABLE
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I needed to go to work on my first day but there was a storm surge due to [typhoon] Yolanda, they cancelled the class. I’m kind of disappointed that my first day was cancelled, but afterwards I learned that working in an institution like this is not an easy job because you’re handling not only yourself, but also the students and faculty.
Charlie
Magdaleno
In the old SoFA, there’s this really popular story about a ghost, so the teachers are trying to avoid this certain classroom. They are very firm on not having a class in that really small classroom because they feel like its haunted. Eli
Gonzales
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Even if I don’t have class, I come to SoFA to work and do all my projects. I’ve been close with some of the most sincere and intelligent co-faculty of SoFA.
Richard
Papa
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Well, the most memorable moment is my first Christmas party (2009). I’m from a traditional school that the Christmas parties are just typical parties. SoFA’s theme that time was fairytale, so some are in their Cinderella costumes. They also had a masquerade theme. Another memorable experience is when SoFA competed in different competitions, and we won first, second, and third place. Most of the time, SoFA will always win an award. Rodel
Bulan
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Of course, what comes up are the memories I have with the old faculty members during lunch (Dan, Cheche, Aan, Loida, Annaly, Ms. B). We would laugh for an hour straight (minsan sobra), rant about almost everyone and do our impression of the Aldeguer sisters, diba Che-che and Miss Loids? Haha! Jeff
Garcia
My most memorable moment is when SoFA sent me to Jakarta for TESDA to mentor one of our students. She won the bronze medal at ASEAN Skills Competition in 2012. Also when I had a heart attack. I was about to finish the Grad-show collection of 3 students. I almost died due to stress. It’s a good thing that SoFA gave me another chance to teach again, which I love to do.
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Loida
Hunter
As a Filipino teacher “Buwan ng Wika” is the most memorable because everyone is cooperating. In a school with a lot of English-speaking students, it’s important for us to appreciate our National Language. Evangeline Siat
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I had a student who walk out on the first day of class and I encountered a lot of crazy students. I even had a student, she’s a celebrity now, when she started entering SoFA, people we’re talking about her because she’s like a princess of a country and she comes with bodyguards. Idr. Carla
Leonor
The students are creative; everyone has their own creative thinking. I make my class fun and enjoyable. You will not get bored. Arch. Ed
Salva
THE
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SEAMS
ith SoFA’s 10-year anniversary nearing, the interviewees observed that over the past 10 years, SoFA has been striving in all aspects to make the Design Institution the best in the Philippines. Sir Jeff added, “Change is always there, for better or worse. It’s something that everyone has to deal with. It’s all up to you how to make the changes work best for you.”
Ms. Loida Hunter’s doll collection
Audrey Hepburn doll owned by:
Eli Gonzales of SoFA Faculty
@elian_stellar
Al um ni S
ofa Design Institute has produced creatives who made and will make their way in the local fashion scene. In the first decade of the institution, it has sewn precious memories and lessons with its students that they will carry along their fashion journey in and outside the campus.
Tony
Photo Credits: @tonyevanmanila
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? First thing I can remember is when I go back to SoFA, there’s a lot of new people (people I don’t know) especially with the teachers -you guys have so many teachers than we had before. Also, mas expansive na yung courses; before it was general na styling, fashion design and marketing and then construction and also wala na si Sir Dan, that’s one major difference and it will never be the same again.
What do you miss about SoFA? I think more than anything, the creativity and the freedom to be creative and now since it’s a business I’m thinking about salability. When I was in SoFA, it was just about having fun. It was about putting your creative ideas to an executed piece and that’s really how I discovered the things I like, my aesthetic and what I have to say as a designer (that’s what I really miss and enjoy about SoFA)
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? Connections! Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you’re creative or you’re hardworking, it’s all with connections. I’m not necessarily the most extrovert pero naforce akong maging extrovert because of the contests and presentation (No.1 element sa sofa yung presentations) that you have to defend, explain and expound your ideas. I learned to put my ideas into words, that’s very important. The ideas have to be purposeful. I think if I went to other schools hindi ko yun matutunan.
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? The school became more stylized every year!
What do you miss about SoFA? I miss having exhibits and mini fashion shows. These activities are exciting for us (students) because we get to be more creative.
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? To be yourself and know what you deserve!
Galo Photo Credits: Preen @lyn_galo
Krizia Photo Credits: Preview @krzjimenez
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? Yes, I believe that while the students are growing and gaining knowledge so is the establishment. It has grown from such a small community into a huge mixture of talents. SoFA’s community has been honing its students and techniques, I believe it has been and still is an is ever evolving process. Each of its individuals are developing a way of discovering, communicating with other and their environment. And because of this you can see that they go hand in hand as time passes by.
What do you miss about SoFA? I miss attending class and learning new techniques that were handed down. To me, it was also an outlet and a great opportunity to showcase what one has to offer.
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? One of the most important lessons I learned from SoFA was to stay inspired and to push yourself with your own concepts and ideas, to strive to work more professionally because what will set you apart from everyone is your own point of view and the concepts and experimentations you come up with for your designs. Learning and consuming is unique in it’s own way and at the end of the day it’s really just up to the person.
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? They got better facilities that help students maximize their learning and space. Also, one thing I noticed that cannot be overlooked is that SoFA’s population has remarkably spiked up as many (high school) fresh graduates nowadays consciously choose to pursue their passion in the fashion industry.
What do you miss about SoFA? Definitely the people; my friends and professors. It is the people who make SoFA home to its students anyway. On the other hand, I have to admit, I miss the challenges that were given by my notable professors. I miss due dates, presentations and lotsa photoshoots!
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? Never isolate yourself. We must humbly admit that part of a designer’s success is these connections (even if your incredibly talented, yet no one takes notice - ladder’s gonna be extra hard to climb). So, make lots of friends. This is why SoFA is one of the best fashion schools in the PH. It allows you to meet several respected people in the industry and to move into the reality of the world. Take advantage of this privilege.
Go Photo Credits: Stylebible @craftandcouturebycg.ph
Cj
Photo Credits: Preview @cjymartin
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? Yes. I noticed that the present draping/sewing classes are more experimental and varied.
What do you miss about SoFA? Design Studio classes!
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? Innovation and leadership
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? The school has produced many of the most reliable people in the fashion industry and this reputation definitely made the school one of the best. I don’t think the school has changed much, except of course the new faces, the improved rooms and not to mention the passing of sir Dan. We miss him. However, the school might have changed a bit, but I’m sure it’s only getting better.
What do you miss about SoFA? There is always this certain smell of panic among students in SoFA. Students are always on the go. Where else do you see students dragging huge luggage bags to school while carrying a dress form trying to catch their early class? I didn’t sleep for years and my fingers bled literally. I made a lot of mistakes and created far too many cringe worthy pieces. I learned a lot. The graduation was the most rewarding experience. If you did well, you will definitely feel it.
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? I think it’s the competition between the students. Everybody is ready to step forward. I’ve learned that the industry offers few opportunities to millions of us and everybody tends to jump right at every opportunity that comes. The school has given us all the skills. The school gives you different avenues to success. You just have to choose what is best for you. You can brave the angry mob of feisty fashionistas with only your rulers and sketch pad in hand or you can also take your time paving your own yellow brick road. Whichever way you choose, with your skill and determination, you’ll get to your destination.
Perez Photo Credits: Metro, Stylebible @mick_perez
Tipay
Photo Credits: Stylebible @tipaycainticdesigner
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? One specific thing I noticed is the shift of the school’s name. From School of Fashion and the Arts, it’s now SoFA Design Institute. I like it, I like the sound of that. I think the name change is a reflection on how the “priorities” or the philosophy of SoFA sort of shifted too. Like in the earlier years, they were focusing on “fashion and the arts” but now, courses are geared towards “design” which I totally love because it’s more purposeful.
What do you miss about SoFA? I miss my classmates and our friendship. It was a simpler time (being in school) and when you’re knee deep in deadlines and tests, it’s hard to see that as simple, but it was! Now we all have independent paths and we’re doing our own things, it’s not as easy as bumping to each other in school. I miss the professors too, particularly Sir Dan.
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? SoFA has valuable connections and relevant collaborators. In a small city like Manila, these can aide one’s career. To embark on any fashion related career, you should be able to work with groups and different people, so being able to foster a good spirit of collaboration is gonna be good for your career too.
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? SoFA, throughout the years, has evolved in shaping students to become better creatives with deep sensibilities in their thought processes. What excites me the most is that, as students come and go, I can see changes, a progression, from when I first started studying in SoFA. As a fashion student and creative thinker, I’ve observed that more and more students through the years have become bolder, more innovative, and sustainability-conscious when designing.
What do you miss about SoFA? What I will miss about being in SoFA is constantly learning new things. While in SoFA, I realized how exciting it is to experiment with fabrics and other techniques on my own, at my own time. I’ll definitely miss the exchange of thoughts and opinions that I encounter in my Design Studio classes. And of course the company of my batch-mates!
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? Never keep yourself “inside a box” – to never fear to experiment! Discovery and commitment to the task at hand are key in creating masterpieces. I learned that fashion isn’t just a bunch of random inspirations put together; but a wearable art created by a designer to make a statement, portray emotions, moods, through a collection.
Platon Photo Credits: @trixieplaton
Candle
Photo Credits: @CandleRayPH
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? The courses they’re offering; they added a lot of design courses tailor fit to the needs of its students. But one thing has never change it is SoFA’s continued support to its alumni. I like how they’re giving opportunities and assistance to all of the alumni.
What do you miss about SoFA? The exchange of ideas; it’s not that usual to be around with creative people whom you share the same passion with, so being in this type of crowd you have the chance to learn and be inspired by others. You also have the chance to share your ideas and through it I become more open-minded to criticism and I learn to respect different aesthetics.
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? Have your mind open to all possibilities. There should be no limits and source of inspirations are endless; it may come from all the things around us.
Has there been any drastic change in SoFA in the past few years? Losing a father-figure, mentor, friend, motivator and inspiration was a massive change for me and I believe for most. It was wilder and brighter when Sir Dan was still around and it disappeared when he did. It’s slowly coming back but it’s not the same. He knew our best and worst.We now kind of have a hard time expressing ourselves and our designs to new mentors.
What will you miss about SoFA? I’ll miss the environment. SoFA’s like a home to me. I’ve grown as a person and as a creative. I’ve learned to express myself more through my designs and to people. In school, we could be anybody and it’d be safe for us. Being around people you connect with and have grown with through the years - I’ll miss that and everything else that comes with it.
What is the most important thing you learned/took away from SoFA? Not everyone will like you no matter how helpful, nice, friendly, generous and genuine you are towards them. Not everyone will understand you better then yourself so suck it up.
Dy Photo Credits: @xodmnq
Ms. Loida Hunter’s doll collection
MA S T E R BY: KRISHNA VELASQUEZ AND PHUONG DO
DANILO FRANCO is known by many as the “Dean of Fashion Illustrators” and was said to be “one of the best fashion illustrators” by designer Rajo Laurel. Born on September 12, 1951, Sir Dan Franco grew up to become a great contributor in Arts and Design and an influencer in Philippine Fashion and Culture. A man known for his beautiful pieces and head-turning details, the name Danilo Franco was a force that helped shape the Philippine Fashion industry. As a well-known and admired instructor at SoFA Design Institute, Sir Dan, as he was known to SoFA students and teachers, was a noteworthy example to teachers and aspiring designers alike. As Richard Papa, teacher for Sewing Class and Design Studio 8 said, “He is a dear,
good friend. He is a talented teacher... an artist!” SoFA Teacher Ms. Mimi Garbo (Advanced Draping) is only one of the many people inspired by Sir Dan. She recalls, “Sir Dan encouraged me to be all that I can. He greatly influenced my eye for quality. Furthermore, he moved me by his memorable advices (sic) that only someone who had (sic) decades of experience can give. Lastly, he was like a father to us; a guardian, now an angel. Now, given the platform of teaching, I aspire to inspire other people the way he inspired me”. SoFA students also fondly remember Sir Dan’s teachings and his bold personality. During her moments of uncertainty, Kat Buenafe (Previous SoFA student) remembers Sir Dan’s advice to stay inquisitive, or, as he said, “It’s always better to ask questions”.
Photo:Bengt Enrique
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“I’m missing you every day, Sir Dan.
Photo: Mimi Garbo
- Dominique Dy
Photo:Ena Cuizon
“There is always something about Sir Dan that sets him apart from other design instructors. Whether it’s the way he laughs, the overflowing passion he has for design, or his flowery words. There is only one Danilo Franco who sees all the potential in every student he encounters, it is as if he sees the bigger picture better than anyone, and he believes in it.” Trixie Platon, a Senior Year SoFA student said. His encouraging and paternal nature made him a well-loved member of the SoFA community. Although Sir Dan’s unexpected death shocked the Philippine Fashion and SoFA community, his memory lives on through his remarkable legacy, and through his dedicated students. Even now, Sir Dan continues to inspire and motivate budding designers and artists with his designs and beautiful illustrations. Hazel Roldan (SoFA Alumna Batch 2017), shared her best moments with Sir Dan, saying, “Our conversations always consist of him encouraging me to follow my dreams, pushing me to dream bigger and work harder, and critiquing me to be better. He always makes learning inside or outside the classroom feel so effortless. We learn by having fun, and he always makes class fun. You ask for my best memory of him, I always envisioned it as me giving him a thank you coffee and a quirky tie after my graduation show, how I wish that it would be my best memory of him.”
Poem for Sir Danilo on his Funeral day By Hazel Roldan: To my mentor, my friend, my guide through it all Your laugh, your funny socks, your coffee I recall. All your words of wisdom are locked in our hearts It will process through our hands as we make our art You have given a piece of you every time you teach Now see your legacy as our designs speak With intention, integrity, and creativity, Your passing will be honored by our productivity.
Photo:Jeanne Gabrielle Martinez
DESIGN
WE LIVE
We view life through the eyes of the designer Who sees things not as they are but as what they can become.
Design is where we live And where we can always be found Design moves us to see the world From the crystal vantage points of creativity.
Design is the beast just partially tamed Who breaks the rules and mocks division and reveals with inspiration. We eat. We sleep. We breathe. We design. That is who we are.